Clara school transforms the stage with a beastly brilliant panto

While most of their counterparts were easing back into school after the Christmas break, it was all systems go in Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa in Clara as pthis year’s Transition Years prepared for their annual Panto.

This year the students chose to perform Beauty and the Beast, naturally with a little Clara twist! Students worked hard from mid-October to bring the show to life and their enormous efforts paid off with four successful shows packed into the school gym.

The show was very much a team effort; starting from auditions in October right through to the end. Students built sets and props under the watchful eye of Ms Grennan, perfected their dance numbers with the help of talented local choreographer Sinéad Handy, and ran lines until they became the characters themselves.

Music and songs were arranged and practiced with Ms Scully. There was great excitement throughout the school as the stage was built, lights and sound rigs were erected, tickets went on sale and costumes arrived.

The show was well-received by the entire community, with thanks to be extended to the Parents Association for their support and help on the nights. More than one parent was surprised at the previously hidden talents their son or daughter displayed!

Highlights of the show included a first for the Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa panto, Sherbet the Pantomime Horse, who stole every scene he was in, despite not having any lines!

Emma Bracken, no stranger to the stage, shone as the lovely Belle, while Evan Redmond lit up the stage as her loyal friend Billy Buttons. Conor Byrne made his stage debut as the titular Beast, while Evan Tracey had the audience in the palm of his hand as the Beast’s loyal French butler, Marcel.

Oisin Guilfoyle, in his first introduction to the stage, played the slightly nutty Professor Bertram, father of Belle, and was supported by stage newcomers Bettina and Belinda brilliantly played by Isabelle Real and Leah Wheldon.

The main cast was completed by Tommy Weir and Rebeckah Fitzgerald playing the Beast’s trusty gardeners, Jock and Jessie, with Rebeckah closing act one with a powerful solo. Playing the larger-than-life villainous couple, Baron and Baroness Badass, were Nathan Kelly and Millie Fleming, who captivated the audience with their delightfully madcap antics!

The show was completed by a talented chorus line who wouldn’t look out of place in Esker Arts. No show would be complete with a trusty backstage crew and, as usual, Noel Murphy had them in tip top shape!

The entire Transition Year made a production to be proud of, and hopefully will have the memory of the show for years to come.

Thanks must be made to all the wider school community for their patience, support and help in making the show such a success. A further thanks must be extended to the local community of Clara for sponsoring spot prizes and coming to see the show.

Plans are already underway for Panto 2027 – see you there!